How to Make a Wire Pergola

Wire pergolas are an easy to build, airy framework ideal for supplying a support system for lightweight vining plants.

Several lengths of heavy gauge wire on rebar will make a beautiful arched pergola for flowering vines.

The amount of weight a wire pergola can support varies, depending on specifics such as wire gauge, the height of the support posts and the plants selected. Fruiting and heavy vegetative vines, such as grapes or roses, need heavier gauge wire with metal or wood posts. Nonfruiting or flowering vines, such as ivy, jasmine or allamanda can grow on lighter-weight wire. .

Step 1

Mark off four points in a straight line for one side of the pergola posts. Each point should be no more than 3 feet from the last. Measure for the second side of the pergola, 3 or 4 feet away from the first line. Mark four more points for pergola posts, parallel to the first.

Step 2

Insert one length of rebar into each marked point. Sink the rebar to a depth of at least one foot.

Step 3

Place a ladder between the two lines of standing rebar. Pull one length of rebar from each side together to form a point by crossing the ends. Secure with the point with heavy-gauge wire ties, wrapping the ties in a figure eight around each end of rebar. For a smooth arch, overlap the rebar ends and secure them with wire.

Step 4

Cut chicken wire or other lightweight wire fencing equal to the height and width of each rebar section. Lay the wire against rebar frame, lining up edges. Secure with wire ties.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape

Wooden stakes

Eight 10-foot lengths of 1/2-inch or smaller rebar

Gloves

Ladder

Heavy-gauge wire ties

60 feet of 36-inch chicken wire or wire fencing

Tips

For taller pergolas, use longer lengths of rebar.

For even arches, bend rebar prior to driving it into the ground and overlap ends at the peak.

Traditional pergolas have a flat top. To achieve a flat-top wire pergola, attach an additional section of wire fencing between the two rebar ends.

Warnings

Bending rebar is difficult and requires specifically designed tools. It is not recommended for someone with no prior experience.

Wire pergolas made with rebar and wire fencing are not recommended for heavy vining plants such as muscadines and other grapes.

References

About the Author

Sandra Johnson is a freelance writer, ghostwriting for private clients since 2006, and writing for print and online publications such as Sashay Magazine. She has studied with both Kaplan and Colorado Technical universities for bachelor's degrees in both human resources and accounting. In addition to writing, Johnson also operates a small family farm in rural Georgia.